stuttering at cruise speed

This is a 93 ford Escort 150k. when driving under light load conditions, the engine wil stutter or miss. I have been researching for some time and narrowed down the problem-I think! This is a "california" car so it has the EGR system. I unplugged the EGR valve and it runs great except for a worsened gas milage. So I bought a new EGR valve and no luck. Same problem. What are the checks for the other components of the system? The EVR valve, and the DPFE? I hate to just buy these parts to try them out. thanks.....

This is a 93 ford Escort 150k. when driving under light load conditions, the engine wil stutter or miss. I have been researching for some time and narrowed down the problem-I think! This is a "california" car so it has the EGR system. I unplugged the EGR valve and it runs great except for a worsened gas milage. So I bought a new EGR valve and no luck. Same problem. What are the checks for the other components of the system? The EVR valve, and the DPFE? I hate to just buy these parts to try them out. thanks.....

Apparently, you have not tried to pull the 'codes' from the Onboard computer. I suggest you start there. I'm puzzled on a couple of things that need clarification:
a. How or what did you 'unplug' at the EGR valve? (and it ran better)
b. What difference do you see in the 'California' EGR system and a normal EGR system?
c. You used the acronym EVR (valve) what is the meaning?
d. Look at the VECI label under the hood and see if the DPFE is listed. Also check that vacuum hoses to the EGR valve back to their source are in good shape, not leaking.

Alvin

Thanks for your reply. This car is in Virginia, but started its life in CA. I guess the EGR system was not installed on cars outside CA. I have some friends that own 93 Escorts without the system. I pulled the vacuum line of the EGR valve and plugged the line. That stopped the stuttering at cruise. My haynes manual calls the EGR vacuum regulator an EVR valve. I assumed the third component was the DPFE. however, my book calls it the PFE transducer. I carefully checked all the lines and they look ok. I do not get a CEL untill I disable the EGR system. Then the codes tell me that the EGR sysem is not reponding!

Ok, Perhaps I thought the system had more components!, The VECI label has the following components. Leaving the vacuum manifold is the VCK V, the VRESER the EVR, and the VREST, then the EGR valve of course.....

Get NEW plugs an wires. Even if it doesn't solve the problem, you will notice an overall difference. Get 9mm wires, DO NOT get 8mm wires.

Thanks for your reply. This car is in Virginia, but started its life in CA. I guess the EGR system was not installed on cars outside CA. I have some friends that own 93 Escorts without the system. I pulled the vacuum line of the EGR valve and plugged the line. That stopped the stuttering at cruise. My haynes manual calls the EGR vacuum regulator an EVR valve. I assumed the third component was the DPFE. however, my book calls it the PFE transducer. I carefully checked all the lines and they look ok. I do not get a CEL untill I disable the EGR system. Then the codes tell me that the EGR sysem is not reponding!

djltherock,
All Escorts have some type of EGR system and have had for 25 years. The type is determined by it being a carbureted, or fuel injected engine. Are you seeing some sort of air pump that makes you think it is a California car?
To my knowledge all EGR valves are vacuum operated, and therefore when you disconnect the EGR vacuum line you should get a CEL or code register as the engine is rev'd up to 4000 RPM, and you do. This tells you the system was O.K. when hooked up properly.
You say the problem appears under 'light loads' and 'cruising'. When you are 'cruising' just holding the accelerator steady, is that when the problem appears and does it stop when you accelerate?

Alvin

I had the same problem on a 97 SPI 2.0 SOHC and ran a bottle of fuel injector cleaner through a tank of gas. The problem cleared up within 30 minutes driving time. The only down side was that my mpg went from 42 to 40. It's worth a try.

Jet-Lee-Where do I find the 9mm? AZ only has the 8.

The previous owner bought the car in CA. The other guys that work with me have the same escort without this system- I would have swapped parts with them already! I realize they could be mistaken. They are however the jet aircraft mechanics for our company and like to spout off part numbers for various repair jobs to our cars! Anyway, I will change the plugs and wires tonite. I have tried switching fuel brands and using injector cleaner. AZ has the Bosch 8mm for $25. Where do you find the $15 units that Jet Lee reccommends?

The stuttering is happening in all the gears now if I am not accelerating. If I punch it it does not seem to hesitate but as soon as I go back into cruise- here we go again. Thanks.

What is the best way to get the pug wire off of the plug behind the alternator?

I will double check on those other cars...

Well, I got the bosch 8mm. Sorry! I definitely felt a difference. I will know more when I drive to work today!

You'll regret the 8's! Order the 9's online if you have to. I got mine from AutoZone....

Sounds like I have the same problem as on this thread. I have replaced leads and plugs, as well as air filter to try and resolve it with no luck.

Interestingly, when I put the new plugs in the car went perfectly all the way home (20 miles) then started back up with the missing / stuttering again.

Not sure what to do next, so will be watching this thread with interest!

Paul

Sounds like I have the same problem as on this thread. I have replaced leads and plugs, as well as air filter to try and resolve it with no luck.

Interestingly, when I put the new plugs in the car went perfectly all the way home (20 miles) then started back up with the missing / stuttering again.

Not sure what to do next, so will be watching this thread with interest!

Paul
9MM WIRES

my car does the same thing... i thought it was a clogged fuel injector... it wasnt, im doing a pressurized carbon removal test thingy next week, i'll tell you if it fixes the stuters and all that crap.

Well, Thanks Jet-Lee! the plugs and wires seemed to work. I have no idea how that unplugging my EGR valve smoothed things out...Sorry that I had to get the 8mm It was the best AZ had to offer at the time. I was fed up with the problem and couldn't wait for the 9's. I will however, order them to have them ready to go the next tune up! You said your AZ stocked 9mm?

we'll looks liek i should get those new wires too... i got bosch dual plugs, but i dont tihnk they worked to well.. i might go back to stock, see if that helps my car... any other guys out there having the stuttering problem? mines the opposite, if i feather the gas it will sputter a lil but it will act normal, but if i even tihnk of pushing it down more than an inch it will go to hell . . . ? any ideas ? THANKS

forgot to mention, after i hit about 4- 41/2 grand i can push that pedal to the floor and hall ass .. .but it sucks tell i get there